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South Korean President Faces Scandal

SEOUL — South Korean President Kim Young Sam tried Monday to deflect public fury over a $650 million political slush fund, denying he took tainted money from his predecessor.

Opposition parties accused him of lying. They say he accepted money he knew was illicit and may have helped ex-President Roh Tae Woo raise the money.

Kim, South Korea's first civilian president in three decades, is under pressure to conduct a public investigation.

Roh, in a TV appearance Friday, admitted setting up the fund. Opposition leader Kim Dae Jung says he accepted $2.6 million for his unsuccessful 1992 presidential bid and claims Kim Young Sam also took money.